A Bawley Point resident has been slapped with a $3,000 fine from Shoalhaven City Council after they took it upon themselves to clear a number of established native trees in an effort to better their view.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
One resident was walking through a Crown Reserve on Bawley Beach at Bawley Point, when they noticed another home owner using a chainsaw on large trees.
The resident contacted the council after hours’ phone number and alerted rangers who responded immediately.
The ranger attended the scene and spoke to the resident who readily admitted they had cut the trees down to improve their view.
The ranger attended the scene and spoke to the resident who readily admitted they had cut the trees down to improve their view.
“After an inspection by council’s natural environment officer, it was estimated the trees, all Banksia and Eucalypts were at about 30-50 years old one would have been at least 15 meters high,” a Shoalhaven City Council spokesperson said.
“This sort of vegetation provides important food and habitat for a range of native species.
“Possums and gliders feed on the flowers of banksias and micro bats often seek shelter during the day in the nooks that old banksias provide.
“These important trees also stabilise foreshore areas and help to stop erosion.”
It is never okay to remove trees from public land without consent.
- Shoalhaven City Council spokesperson.
Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act - Development it is illegal to remove trees without consent and can result in hefty fines.
A resident from Vincentia was fined $8,000 last year in the Land and Environment Court for similar actions regarding vegetation on sand dunes.
Council has warned they will take swift action when trees are damaged or removed without permission where we can identify the culprits.
“Anyone who is thinking about removing any tree or vegetation should contact Shoalhaven City Council to obtain information about what permissions or permits may be required,” a council spokesperson said.
“It is never okay to remove trees from public land without consent.”
Approval for the removal of native trees on private land is also often required.
More information regarding tree removal can be found at www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Property/Trees-on-my-land.
For further information or assistance in determining whether you need approval you can contact Council’s Environmental Services section on (02) 4429 3610.
If you see trees being removed and you suspect the work is illegal you can contact Council’s Rangers Section (02) 4429 3433 for investigation.
